City warship off Pakistan coast
A Portsmouth minehunter has taken part in an international exercise off the coast of Pakistan.
HMS Atherstone joined HMS Portland, Grimsby and RFA Diligence for Exercise Aman 09 with 11 other countries.
The small navy task group, led by Commander Tim Henry of HMS Portland, began with a flag hoisting ceremony attended by Portsmouth-based Rear Admiral Philip Jones.
He is Commander of United Kingdom Maritime Forces, and in charge of all of the officers of the ships that took part.
The exercise focused on combating illegal activities in the North Arabian Sea, which serves as a hub for transit of the world's energy resources.
Atherstone and Grimsby joined up with the Pakistan and French navies, with the French taking overall control.
The British minehunters were successful, finding mines on each of the exercise missions they were set.
Lieutenant Commander Matt Bowden, CO of HMS Atherstone, said: 'This has been an excellent example of how to run an exercise, with Pakistan providing first class training and support for all the participants.
'We look forward to renewing our acquaintances during future exercises later in the year.'
>> Vote in our latest web poll.
Email to a friend
Print this page
Looking for...
Featured advertisers
Jobs
Search for a job
Motors
Search for a car
Property
Search for a house
Weather for Portsmouth
Friday 25 May 2012
Today
Sunny
Temperature: 13 C to 25 C
Wind Speed: 22 mph
Wind direction: East
Tomorrow
Sunny
Temperature: 13 C to 23 C
Wind Speed: 24 mph
Wind direction: East
